Office No. 18, 9.17 Capital Tower, 91 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8RT
Mon - Fri: 10.00 - 19.00 GTM+2
+38 095 841 41 64
contact@legalpilot.com
KN

Is Gambling Legal in Saint Kitts and Nevis?

Partially Regulated
Gambling is legal and regulated for licensed operators, but residents are generally prohibited from participating in online gambling.
Expert Gambling Regulation Guidance

Professional consultation on gambling regulations and legal compliance requirements for operators




    Key Information Highlights Legislation Timeline Requirements Sources

    Key Information

    Last Update 2025
    Regulatory Authority Gaming Board of Saint Kitts and Nevis
    License Cost Varies

    Regulation by Activity Type

    Casinos Regulated
    Online Casinos Regulated
    Betting Regulated
    Online Betting Regulated
    Lotteries Regulated
    Poker Regulated

    Highlights

    • The Gaming Control Act 2021 is the primary legislation governing all gambling activities in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
    • The Financial Services Regulatory Commission acts as the Gaming Commission, overseeing all licensed gaming operations.
    • A single Betting and Gaming License covers all forms of online gambling, including casinos, sports betting, and poker.
    • Online gambling operators must pay a government registration fee of USD 80,000 and an annual license fee of USD 40,000.
    • Gambling licenses are valid for one year and require renewal with updated business information and payment of fees.
    • Unlicensed gambling is a serious offense, with fines up to $50,000 for individuals and $150,000 for legal entities, plus possible imprisonment.
    • Operators are required to implement measures against money laundering, underage gambling, and compulsive gambling as part of compliance.
    Technical Compliance Assistance

    Our specialists will help you understand technical compliance requirements for gambling operations




      Legislation

      Primary Legislation

      The principal legal framework governing gambling in Saint Kitts and Nevis is established by the Gaming (Control) Act 2021. This Act provides comprehensive regulation for all forms of gaming, including land-based casinos, online gambling, sports betting, poker, horse racing, and lotteries. The legislation was enacted to regularize the gaming sector, ensure compliance with international standards, and address issues related to responsible gaming and financial crime prevention. The Act clarifies the legal scope of gaming activities and the categories of participants permitted under the law.

      Regulatory Authority

      Oversight and enforcement of gambling regulations in Saint Kitts and Nevis are entrusted to two main bodies established under the current legislative framework:
      • The Gaming Board: Responsible for the regulation, licensing, and supervision of the gaming sector, ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Gaming (Control) Act.
      • The Racing Commission: Oversees the regulation and supervision of horse racing activities within the Federation.
      Both authorities are mandated to uphold regulatory standards, promote responsible gaming, and safeguard the integrity of the gaming industry in accordance with national and international obligations.

      License Types

      Types of Gambling Licenses in Saint Kitts and Nevis

      • Land-Based Licenses: Separate licenses are available for casinos, racetracks, slot machines, and lotteries.
      • Online Gambling License: The Betting and Gaming License is a comprehensive license that covers all forms of online gambling, including casino games, sports betting, poker, and other virtual entertainment. This single license allows operators to offer online gambling services internationally, except to residents of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

      Application Process

      • Applicants must submit a formal application to the relevant regulatory authority, typically the Gaming Board or the Financial Services Regulatory Commission.
      • The application must include detailed business plans, information on company structure, key personnel, and compliance procedures.
      • Background checks and due diligence are conducted on the company and its principals to ensure suitability and integrity.
      • Applicants must demonstrate robust anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gaming measures.
      • Once approved, the government issues the license, allowing the operator to commence activities as specified.

      Duration and Renewal

      • Online gambling licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance.
      • Renewal requires submission of an updated application, payment of the annual license fee, and provision of current business and compliance information.

      Eligibility Criteria

      • Applicants must be legally registered entities in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
      • Key personnel must pass fit and proper tests, including criminal and financial background checks.
      • The business must have sufficient financial resources and a clear operational structure.
      • Compliance with all regulatory requirements, including AML and responsible gaming obligations, is mandatory.

      Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

      • Government Registration Fee: USD 80,000 (one-time fee upon application approval).
      • Annual License Fee: USD 40,000 (payable each year to maintain the license).
      • Additional costs may include due diligence fees, compliance monitoring fees, and other administrative charges as determined by the regulator.

      Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License

      • Maintain a local company registered in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
      • Implement and regularly update AML and responsible gaming policies.
      • Ensure ongoing compliance with all regulatory reporting and operational standards.
      • Promptly notify the regulator of any significant changes in company structure, ownership, or operations.
      • Pay all required fees on time to avoid suspension or revocation of the license.

      Summary Table: Online Gambling License

      Aspect Details
      License Type Betting and Gaming License (covers all online gambling)
      Validity 1 year
      Registration Fee USD 80,000 (one-time)
      Annual Fee USD 40,000
      Eligible Applicants Locally registered companies meeting fit and proper criteria
      Renewal Annual, with updated application and fee payment
      Key Requirements AML compliance, responsible gaming measures, regulatory reporting

      Gambling Tax

      Tax Rates for Gambling Operators

      Saint Kitts and Nevis imposes specific tax obligations on gambling operators, which are generally structured around the type of operation and the basis of taxation. The most common basis for taxation is Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), though the exact rates and mechanisms may vary depending on the specific license and activity.
      Type of Gambling Operation Tax Basis Tax Rate
      Online Gambling (including casino, sports betting, poker) Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) Varies by license; typically a fixed percentage of GGR
      Land-based Casinos Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) Varies by license; typically a fixed percentage of GGR
      Lotteries Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) Varies by license; typically a fixed percentage of GGR
      The precise percentage rates are set by the relevant regulations and may be subject to periodic updates by the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) or as specified in the operator’s license conditions.

      Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

      • Gambling operators are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all gaming transactions, revenues, and payouts.
      • Tax returns must be filed with the Financial Services Regulatory Commission or designated authority at intervals specified in the license conditions, typically monthly or quarterly.
      • Tax payments must be made in accordance with the deadlines established by the FSRC, commonly within a set number of days following the end of the reporting period.
      • Operators are subject to audits and inspections to ensure compliance with tax and reporting obligations. The FSRC has the authority to examine the books, records, and accounts of licensees.

      Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

      • There are no broadly advertised tax incentives or exemptions for gambling operators in Saint Kitts and Nevis; all licensed operators are expected to comply fully with the tax regime as outlined in their license and relevant legislation.
      • Special provisions may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis as part of the licensing agreement, particularly for large-scale or innovative projects, but these are not standard and must be approved by the FSRC.
      • Failure to comply with tax obligations can result in significant penalties, including fines and potential suspension or revocation of the gambling license.

      Prohibited Individuals

      Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

      The minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities in Saint Kitts and Nevis is 18 years old. Operators are required to implement measures to verify the age and identity of players to prevent underage gambling. This typically involves requesting valid identification documents before allowing access to gambling services.

      Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

      • Only licensed forms of gambling are permitted; unlicensed gambling operations are strictly prohibited.
      • Operators are not allowed to provide gambling services to residents of Saint Kitts and Nevis through online platforms, even if they hold a local online gambling license. Services may only be offered to international players, subject to the laws of their respective jurisdictions.
      • Any gambling activity not specifically authorized under the relevant license or regulatory framework is prohibited.

      Advertising and Marketing Limitations

      • Advertising and marketing of gambling services must not target minors or vulnerable individuals.
      • Promotional materials must not depict gambling as a way to solve financial problems or imply guaranteed winnings.
      • Operators must ensure that all advertising is socially responsible and does not mislead about the nature or risks of gambling.
      • There are restrictions on advertising gambling services within Saint Kitts and Nevis, especially for online operators who are not permitted to target local residents.

      Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

      • Operators are required to implement policies and procedures to deter compulsive and problem gambling, including providing information on responsible gambling and access to support resources.
      • Self-exclusion programs must be available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities for a specified period.
      • Operators must monitor player behavior for signs of problem gambling and intervene when necessary, such as by offering limits on deposits, losses, or playtime.
      • Clear information about the risks of gambling and available support services must be prominently displayed on gambling platforms and in venues.
      • Operators are obligated to protect player funds and ensure fair gaming practices.

      Geographic and Location Restrictions

      • Physical gambling venues are only allowed in designated areas as approved by the regulatory authority.
      • Online gambling operators licensed in Saint Kitts and Nevis are prohibited from offering their services to residents of the country, focusing instead on international markets.
      • Strict controls are in place to prevent unauthorized gambling operations within the territory, including regular inspections and monitoring by regulatory authorities.
      Gambling Regulatory Consultation

      Get expert advice on gambling regulations and operational requirements




        Timeline

        Year/Date Event
        1969 Initial legislation regulating betting and gaming activities introduced in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
        1999 Saint Kitts and Nevis begins to issue online gaming licenses, becoming one of the early Caribbean jurisdictions to regulate internet gambling.
        2009 Amendments made to existing gaming regulations to address emerging online gambling trends and strengthen oversight.
        2021 The Gaming (Control) Bill, 2021 is passed, providing comprehensive regulation for the gaming industry, establishing a Gaming Board and Racing Commission, and aligning local laws with international standards.
        2022 Gaming (Control) (Amendment of Schedule) Order No. 24 of 2022 enacted, updating regulatory frameworks and operational guidelines for the gaming sector.

        Requirements

        Software Certification and Technical Standards

        • Operators must ensure that all gaming software and systems comply with technical standards set by the Gaming Commission. This includes requirements for fairness, randomness, and integrity of games.
        • Gaming systems and software are subject to independent testing and certification to verify compliance with these standards before being deployed for use.
        • Any updates or modifications to gaming software require re-certification or approval from the regulator to maintain compliance.
        • Operators must implement robust technical controls to prevent unauthorized access, system tampering, and ensure the security of gaming platforms.

        Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

        • Operators are required to implement data protection policies that safeguard player personal and financial information in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
        • All sensitive data must be encrypted both in transit and at rest, utilizing industry-standard encryption protocols.
        • Access to personal data is strictly limited to authorized personnel, and all data access must be logged and monitored for security purposes.
        • Operators must ensure that gaming servers and data storage facilities are secure and may be required to host servers within approved jurisdictions to facilitate regulatory oversight and data integrity.

        Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

        • Operators are obligated to establish and maintain comprehensive AML programs in line with national and international standards.
        • KYC procedures must be implemented to verify the identity, age, and source of funds of all players before granting access to gambling services.
        • Ongoing monitoring of player transactions is required to detect and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
        • Operators must provide regular AML training for staff and maintain clear records of all KYC and AML activities for regulatory review.

        Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

        • Operators must maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including detailed logs of all transactions, player accounts, and gaming activities.
        • Regular financial reporting to the Gaming Commission is mandatory, following prescribed formats and timelines.
        • Operators are subject to independent audits of their financial statements and gaming systems to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance.
        • All records, including financial, operational, and player data, must be retained for a specified period (typically several years) and be readily accessible for inspection by regulators.

        Responsible Gambling Tools – Technical Implementation Requirements

        • Operators must integrate responsible gambling features into their platforms, such as self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, and reality checks.
        • Systems must be in place to prevent underage gambling, including robust age verification mechanisms.
        • Operators are required to provide clear and accessible information on responsible gambling and support resources for problem gambling.
        • Technical controls must enable the monitoring and enforcement of responsible gambling limits, with automated alerts and intervention protocols as necessary.

        Sources

        Primary Regulatory Authorities

        Legislation Resources

        Navigate Gambling Regulations Successfully

        Professional guidance on regulatory compliance for gambling operations




          Bahamas Canada

          Important Information Notice

          Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.

          Last updated: 22 April 2025